ACU English Essay

For new students only

The ACU English Essay Examination is a two-hour exam (dictionary use permitted) offered during each of the ACU Passport Sessions held every summer. Under no circumstances may a student write the exam after the first week of their first semester at ACU.

Students may qualify to write the English Essay by one of the following methods:

1. Scoring 29-31 on the ACT English test

2. Scoring 3 or higher on the APP-CEEB English tests

3. Scoring 710-740 on either the SAT I Critical Reading (formerly known as Verbal) or the SAT II Writing test

4. Scoring 55 or higher on the College Composition Modular CLEP test, or

5. Scoring a 4 on the IB English (HL) exam.

Most students who take and pass the English Essay Examination will receive 3 hours credit for ENGL 111. However, students who score a 3 on the AP Literature and Composition Test or score a 64 or higher on the College Composition Modular CLEP test and who then write a superior English Essay may earn credit for ENGL 111 and ENGL 112. Students who score a 5 on the IB English (HL) exam may write the Essay to attempt ENGL 112 credit. A superior score must be received for this credit to be awarded.

The cost for this test is $25. If credit is earned, there is a $50 fee per course to post the credit to the student's transcript.

Special note: Any student receiving the Achievement Award for Writing from the National Council of Teachers of English will be awarded 3 hours credit for ENGL 111.

Note to international students: The ACU English department requires a writing sample of all international students before granting credit by examination in English. The writing sample normally consists of the ACU English Essay Examination.